Forest birding habitat

Point Wilson

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
ForestCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Point Wilson is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 211 species recorded on eBird. This forest and coastal habitat attracts Red-breasted Merganser, Rock Pigeon, and Killdeer among many others. Coastal and forest habitats support impressive year-round resident species and seasonal migrants.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/31/2026Kah Tai Lagoon1 observed

Tufted Puffin

Fratercula cirrhata

5/31/2026Smith Island5 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

5/31/2026Crockett Lake2 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

5/31/2026Point Wilson1 observed

Sooty Grouse

Dendragapus fuliginosus

5/31/2026Whidbey Island--Earth Sanctuary2 observed

Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca

5/31/2026Chimacum Creek JLT Reserve1 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

5/31/2026Oak Bay County Park2 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

5/30/2026Port Townsend -- North Beach3 observed

Horned Puffin

Fratercula corniculata

5/30/2026Smith Island1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/30/2026Smith Island3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rufous Hummingbird

15/31/2026

Killdeer

45/31/2026

Rhinoceros Auklet

195/31/2026

Heermann's Gull

25/31/2026

Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid)

425/31/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

125/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Bald Eagle

25/31/2026

Western Kingbird

15/31/2026

American Crow

15/31/2026

Violet-green Swallow

25/31/2026

Barn Swallow

35/31/2026

European Starling

115/31/2026

House Finch

35/31/2026

American Goldfinch

15/31/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

35/31/2026

Savannah Sparrow

25/31/2026

Song Sparrow

35/31/2026

Marbled Murrelet

25/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Pack rain gear — the best birding often coincides with drizzly conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Point Wilson for birding?
The best months to visit Point Wilson for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Point Wilson?
Notable species at Point Wilson include Red-breasted Merganser, Rock Pigeon, Killdeer, Rhinoceros Auklet, Marbled Murrelet. The area supports forest, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Point Wilson?
Birding at Point Wilson is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Point Wilson?
Point Wilson offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.